Between Storms

And then the rain came again.

See more views of the sky at SkyWatch Friday, hosted for us by Klaus, Sandy, Wren and Sylvia.

Michael Learns a New Skill

Michael's Mom took these pictures with her cell phones.  She's very good at keeping us up on what is new with Michael.

Michael doesn't chew very well so all of his food is pureed to protect him from choking.

 Whenever he would hear the sound of the food processor he would get excited and get in the way.

 His mom found a solution to the problem.  Now Michael has learned to help.  He pushes the buttons on the processor and is quite pleased with himself; and he gets his food faster since he isn't impeding the process.

Michael likes bed time, he is always put to bed with a song.  Dad sings a silly song, Mom sings a sweet, tuneful song and when Grandma puts him to bed, he gets an off key song.  It isn't unusual for him to be the one to decide it is bedtime. He will take an adult by the hand and lead them to his bed.

See more of the world at That's My World, Tuesday; hosted for us by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, and Sylvia.

The Soul Can Split the Sky in Two

While looking through my archives this image of the Sundial Bridge caught my eye and reminded me of the Edna St. Vincent Millay poem, Renascence.

The world stands out on either side
No wider than the heart is wide;

Above the world is stretched the sky,

No higher than the soul is high.

The heart can push the sea and land

Farther away on either hand;

The soul can split the sky in two,

And let the face of God shine through.

But East and West will pinch the heart

That can not keep them pushed apart;
And he whose soul is flat – the sky

Will cave in on him by and by.

I think that it was Dave Garroway, host of the Sunday program Wide, Wide World who would recite it at the end of his show.  That was a long time ago, so I could be mistaken.  Do any of you other seniors remember?

Find more views of the sky at SkyWatch Friday, hosted for us each week by Klaus, Sandy, Wren and Sylvia.

A Walk Along Putah Creek

 We recently drove over to Davis, a college town west of Sacramento.  One of our sons had attended college there and we were familiar with the town but we had never visited the arboretum.  I was hoping for some great photos to represent Yolo County on my other blog.
Arboretums are collections of plants and not decorative gardens so I was not very successful in that goal but it was an interesting and worthwhile visit.
UC Davis started out as a Farm School 1907 and was part of UC Berkley.  It is now a full university in its own right and includes a Medical School and Law School.
It is still and important Ag school and a resource for farmers and home gardeners alike.

 The arboretum extends along both sides of Putah Creek for over two miles.  We didn't explore the entire length, I think we will go back another time.
The arboretum contains collections of both native California plants and plants adapted to California's climate.  The main emphasis of the collections is on water-wise gardening.

Western Redbud

Ceanothus

 Ceanothus and Redbud are both widely used in my area; they are native plants that are attractive and need little water.

Flamingo Chinese Cedar (Toona sinensis 'Flamingo')

 This lovely plant in the East Asian collection was new to me.

Knife Acacia (Acacia Cultriformis)

 This low growing Acacia from Australia was also one I hadn't seen before.

Another collections was dedicated to plants that attract hummingbirds.

See more of our amazing world at That's My World, Tuesday, hosted for us by Klaus, Sandy Wren and Sylvia.

A Helping Hand

Our hearts go out to all of those suffering in Japan.  We see their need each time we turn on the TV, we hear of their plight from the radio.  We are generous and give to one of the many funds set up to help.  Sometimes, though, our generosity exceeds the need or the ability of the organizations to provide aide to the specific cause for which we have donated and the funds are therefore not used effectively.
There is much suffering in the world, most of it does not make the news.  Might I suggest that we look to organizations such as Charity Navigator, find a reputable charity doing the work we would like to support and then give to their general fund.  If we do our homework well, our gifts will go where it is needed most; some to Japan and some to aide other people in need.
I don't intend to minimize the need of the people of Japan.  This should be a reminder that we whose lives are blessed with good fortune should not forget any of the those less fortunate.

A beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

And a beautiful day for walk in the oak woodland.

You can find more skies from around the world at SkyWatch, Friday, hosted for us by Klaus, Sandy, Wren and Sylvia.

Wildlife Viewing at Elkhorn Slough

On a recent visit to Santa Cruz we drove down to Elkhorn Slough, a great place for birdwatching.

 A dispute brought my attention to this Curlew, he had a crab and the Godwit wanted him to share.

 It's always interesting to watch birds maneuver their catch so they can swallow it.

 He just can seem to be left in peace for his meal.

This Snowy egret was also looking for a meal.

This loon was uncooperative, every time I tried to get in a position where he wouldn't be back lit he would dive.

 When we finished birdwatching at Elkhorn we went to Moss Landing State Beach where dozens of sea otters were floating.

 Some, like this little guy, kept rolling over and over, you can see the sheen of water on his belly.
Hubby got some great video of the activity.

You can find more of our wonderful world at That's My World, Tuesday, hosted for us by Klaus, Sandy, Wren and Sylvia.

You can find more birds at World Bird Wednesday, hosted by Springman

Soaring Eagle

I was out with the wide-angle lens, searching for panoramic shots.  I glanced up and what did I see, a bald eagle soaring much too high for the lens on my camera.  Oh well, I still like the shot.  By the time I got back to the car for my telephoto lens he was up so high I could hardly see him.

Find more views of the sky at SkyWatch, Friday; hosted by us by Klaus, Sandy, Wren and Sylvia.

Spring Lamb (& Kid)

Each year our homeowners' association hires a flock of goats and sheep to clear the grass and some brush from the open space.

 Most of the residents enjoy it,  especially if they have grandchildren living in the area.

 I find the goats to be much more handsome than the sheep.

 Since it is spring there are many new kids and lambs, new ones each day.  This mom didn't like me watching and nudged her young ones.

 They obediently got up and followed her.

The new lamb's are just as cute.  They will eat the vegetation in the open area beyond our yard for a few days and then move to another area.

Find more views of our world at That's My World, Tuesday; hosted for us by Klaus, Sandy, Wren & Sylvia.

A Surfer's Hand

Another one of those things we only notice after we download the image.

To see more shadows, check out Shadow Shot Sunday, hosted for us by Tracy in Brisbane.